Wounded Colorado officer released from hospital

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — One of two suburban Denver police officers who were shot over the weekend has been released from the hospital, and authorities have arrested the suspect, officials said Monday.

Officer Jonathan Key, whose bulletproof vest protected him from more serious injuries, has gone home, Lakewood police spokesman Steve Davis said. Officer Kimberly Collins, who was also wounded Saturday night, remained in stable condition at the hospital, where she faces more medical procedures and a "lengthy recovery," Davis said.

Police said they were shot by 54-year-old Gordon Lee Moench, whose wife called 911 because he was despondent. The two had fought throughout the day before she finally became frightened and decided to leave, police said.

Officers went to his home to check on him, and he immediately fired on them while they were still outside, police said.

A third officer who arrived later returned fire and shot Moench. Police arrested him Monday when he was released from the hospital. He faces charges including attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault on a peace officer, and felony menacing. He could be in court as soon as Tuesday morning.

Police spent much of Sunday searching the home but did not say what they found.

Investigators are still working to determine Moench's motive. Lakewood police encountered him just once before, about a year ago, when he was the victim in a criminal tampering case, Davis said.

Investigators, including some from the Jefferson County district attorney's office, have launched a separate investigation into the shootings.